Date: 4 June 2026 

Summer at York Castle Museum: Historic Victorian Galas and nostalgic 1960s fun 

22 June – 6 September 2026 

For many, the summer holidays of childhood bring about fond memories in the sun, playing with friends and family and time away from school that seemed to stretch out endlessly across the summer days. This year York Castle Museum is capturing the essence of ‘grand days out’ and celebrating iconic summers across two different centuries. Following the breadth of the museum’s social history collection, Victorian Galas and the Swinging 60s are the programme’s key focus with games, crafts and seasonal decorations providing nostalgia and summer fun for visitors. 

The York Gala’s inaugural event in June 1859 was so successful with concerts, circus entertainment, hot air balloons, fairground rides and flower displays, that it became a staple of the York summer season for 60 years. Drawing inspiration from these Victorian summer festivals, York Castle Museum invites visitors of all ages to experience the museum magic every day from June right through to September. Travel like a Victorian in the ‘Last Stop Before Kirkgate’, created by Novo Theatre, an immersive experience replicating a nineteenth century coaching inn and arrival into York. The experience has been updated to coincide with the gala theme. Clare Alton Fletcher, Learning and Participation Manager at York Museums Trust said, “This summer you’ll be able to hear from the excited boy who can’t wait for a hot air balloon ride, a violinist who is playing at the gala and a judge who is prepared to cast his eyes over the horticultural displays. Visitors can then head down to Kirkgate, the oldest recreated street in Britain, and experience the sights and sounds of York’s Victorian galas.” 

“Creativity and imagination are at the heart of the summer programme,” continues Clare, “There will be a new installation in the ‘Green Room’ which will be turned blue! Paper cut hot air balloons created by Yorkshire artist Pippa Dyrlaga will be suspended in the space, which sits just off Kirkgate, telling the story of balloon rides during the York gala. Starting on 25 July and running across all Saturdays throughout August, you can make your own paper hot air balloons to add to the display and other have a go at paper-based creations in guided workshops which are included in general admission.” 

Kirkgate will be colourful and fun, dressed with seasonal flowers and bunting, and boasting an update to the simulated day-to-night cycle. Exclusively for summer 2026, York Castle Museum has collaborated with Field Studios to produce new and improved soundscapes and projections, creating an atmosphere of dreamy summer days. The shops, which are modelled after real York businesses, will contain new summer-themed items for everyone to explore. Visitors can talk to shopkeepers and Kirkgate residents and learn about the history of the Victorian street and its contents. 

The 1960s were also a pivotal decade for York, the summer of 1963 brought Beatlemania to the north as well as the creation of the University of York which filled the city with young and creative minds. York Castle Museum brings back the nostalgia of 60s summers, with flower power decor, games and perhaps some memories of childhood with toys, fashion and iconic household favourites, as well as songs that defined the decade playing over the speakers. 

Visitors are invited to take a break everyday life and enjoy the Exercise Yard which will offer a range of outdoor games and activities suitable for all ages, for families, or adults to release their inner child. The main programme of activities, events and games will run through the summer holidays from mid-July. Check York Castle Museum’s website for dates and what to expect, where event details and a full list of summer holiday programming will soon be available to view. 

Other exhibitions, such as Secrets of Dress, an exploration of the history of fashion, and the York Castle Prison, presenting the building’s original use as a Debtor’s Prison, will also be open to explore every day. York Castle Museum captures a range of history for enthusiasts to enjoy or appeal to those just looking for a great day out in the city. See all this and more with an annual ticket to York Castle Museum and return throughout the summer, autumn months and for the incredible Christmas displays!   

Summer at York Castle Museum will open in mid-June this year, to allow visitors to enjoy mid-week visits to the floral decorations and 1960s display before the school holidays begin.